In the summer of 2021, my parents were in their late 80s and in great health. They traveled to Oregon from Missouri (where I was born and raised) to visit my brother, me, and our families. We had a nice long visit; for most of it, everything was as it had always been.

But something was different.

During the visit, Mom asked a couple of questions that immediately raised a red flag in my mind. At one point, she asked if I knew a family friend that I’ve known most of my life. At another time, she asked whether I’d been to their home in Missouri, the home where they’d lived for 35 years.

And as Karen first noticed, Mom, who in the past, had always made herself at home in the kitchen, was, during this visit, a complete guest.

Not long after, my brother and I compared notes. We realized Mom had begun a battle with dementia, and we began trying in earnest to get my parents to move out here. I experienced firsthand with my parents the challenges many families face when a change is needed. For my parents, the thought of packing up and leaving their home after 35 years was overwhelming. But just as overwhelming was the thought of staying, and continuing the struggles of keeping up the house and property, in addition to just taking care of themselves.

Though each family’s story is different, many aspects are the same. And if a family has made the decision that a move to a senior living community is the best next step for a loved one, that’s where a Senior Advisor can be a tremendous help. A senior advisor can guide a family through the many steps of transitioning to a senior living community by providing:

Expert Guidance – Senior advisors specialize in understanding different types of senior communities (independent living, assisted living, memory care, etc.) and can help families navigate the complex options.
Personalized Recommendations – They take into account the senior’s health, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences to find the best fit.
Time-Savings – Researching and touring multiple communities can be overwhelming. A senior advisor streamlines the process by narrowing down the best options and arranging visits.
Advocacy and Support – Advisors act as a neutral third party, helping families make informed decisions without pressure from sales teams at senior communities.
Knowledge of Costs and Resources – They can help families understand pricing structures, potential financial assistance options, and hidden costs that might not be immediately clear.
Local Market Expertise – A senior advisor knows the reputations, amenities, and quality of care at different communities.

If you believe a senior advisor might be able to help you and your family, please reach out to our team to schedule a free consultation. Everyone on our team is a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist and we have a large network of professionals who serve the senior community. We can help you by connecting you with one of the great senior advisors in our area, and can also assist with the sale of your family’s property.

What is a Senior Advisor, and Do You Need One?